Gothic cathedrals and cobblestone streets: Barcelona and Valencia have similarities, but it's the differences between Barna and La Terreta (each city’s respective nickname) that’ll convince you to see them both in a single Spanish trip. Here’s what you need to know about how to travel from Barcelona to Valencia by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Velencia, Spain
At a glance: train from Barcelona to Valencia
- Barcelona’s station: Barcelona Sants
- Valencia’s station: Valencia Estaciò Nord | Valencia Joaquín Sorolla
- How far is Barcelona to Valencia by train: 188 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: 2h 40m
- Average duration for general trains: 2h 52m
- Number of trains per day: 10
- Ticket prices: As low as $14.48 when you book in advance
- Earliest departure: 7:15 a.m.
- Latest departure: 9:00 p.m.
Is a trip from Barcelona to Valencia worth it?
Oh yeah, a trip from Barcelona to Valencia is worth it, even if you’re not in search of the Holy Grail. Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain, and don’t even get us started on how amazing the food is: the paella alone is worth the trip.
How far is Barcelona to Valencia by train?
Valencia is 188 miles away from Barcelona, which is nothing when it comes to train travel. The trick is to make sure you plan ahead and purchase tickets for direct routes. Routes with changes will add miles and time to your journey, as the connection city is typically Madrid.
Image Credit: Getty Images, MEDITERRANEAN. Image Location: Valencia, Spain
How long is the high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia?
The high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia can do the job in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Don’t sweat it if you miss the fast train; the average train time between Barcelona and Valencia is 2 hours and 52 minutes, so allotting a 3 hour travel time is a safe bet either way.
How often is the train from Barcelona to Valencia?
The train from Barcelona to Valencia rolls out 10 times per day. Such a coastal cruise is rather infrequent compared to, say, Barcelona to Madrid — but you shouldn’t have trouble finding a seat. A 7:15 AM train sounds a bit early, but you can nap on the ride and ensure you get to Valencia with plenty of time to explore.
How much is the high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia?
Prices for trains running from Barcelona to Valencia can start at $14.48, but that’s if you book in advance and aren’t considering peak travel times. For summer travel, ticket prices will likely be significantly higher. For instance, looking at summer travel, the high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia starts from around $40.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Henryk Sadura. Image Location: Peñiscola, Valencia, Spain
What is the cheapest way to get from Barcelona to Valencia?
Taking the train is one of the cheapest ways to get from Barcelona to Valencia. Trainline sells bus tickets, too, for a journey that would last about four hours and cost from about $40. However, taking the train would not only be cheaper — it would be much faster and much more comfortable, as well.
How can you buy cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Valencia?
“Cheap” is relative; the longer you wait, the more expensive “cheap” train tickets will be. We always recommend buying your train tickets as far in advance as possible to get the cheapest available prices. If it’s your first time traveling to España, we’ve got a helpful guide on how to buy train tickets for Spain online.
Which train station is best from Barcelona to Valencia?
Barcelona Sants is the best train station to travel from Barcelona to Valencia. It’s the largest railway station in the city, connecting Barcelona to Madrid, France, and everywhere in between. The R2N line connects Barcelona Sants to the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, so you’ll likely be familiar with it no matter how you arrive in Barcelona.
Image Credit: Getty Images, name. Image Location: Estació del Nord, Valencia, Spain
Is the train ride from Barcelona to Valencia scenic?
If you’re a fan of cool coastal cruises, you’re in luck: the train ride from Barcelona to Valencia is an especially scenic way to see the Mediterranean Sea and the Spanish countryside. Just remember that the train tracks don’t make impressions in the sand; a good chunk of this ride is inland, so expect more tierra then mar out your window.
Is Valencia a day trip from Barcelona?
Yes, Valencia is totally a day trip from Barcelona that’s worth taking if you catch early, high-speed trains. We won’t dilute Valencia’s culture and history to simply a “go to the beach” day trip, but should all you want to do is soak up the sun a little farther south of Barcelona, Valencia is a wonderful place to do it.
Is Valencia nicer than Barcelona?
Valencia is nicer than Barcelona for visitors who desire a smaller city with more of a chill vibe. Don’t get us wrong, you can relax on the beach in Barcelona and drain sangria without a care in the world; but Barcelona is a better bet for nightlife and big-city-banger memories. Valencia is great for slower wandering, hiking in the countryside, and leisurely exploring its landmarks.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: city, country
How many days in Valencia is enough?
If you’re taking a week-long vacation in Barcelona, two to three days in Valencia is enough. You won’t interrupt your Barcelona must-do list and you’ll have ample time to see different sides of Valencia. For three days, we’d plan an outdoor day which includes either hours at the beach or hiking, one day to hit the city-sites like Serranos Towers and the Holy Grail, and the final day to live the local life by visiting the mercados and enjoying this walkable Spanish city.
Is Valencia cheap or expensive?
Valencia is considered a cheap city compared to larger Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. One of the best ways to keep your costs low is to use public transport, like trains, to get around Valencia. Download the Trainline app and start planning your Valencia vacation from Barcelona today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, David Soanes Photography. Image Location: Valencia, Spain
